Live blog: Day 2 of Ann Arbor Public Schools superintendent candidate interviews
Ann Arbor Public Schools superintendent candidate Sandra Harris interviews before the Board of Education on Tuesday, July 9.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
For the second day the Ann Arbor Board of Education will interview candidates to replace Patricia Green as superintendent.
The two-day process to find Green's replacement is being held at the Courtyard Marriott at 3205 Boardwalk Boulevard in Ann Arbor. Interviews began Monday at 10 a.m. and resume Tuesday at 8 a.m.
By evening Tuesday board members will chose two or three finalists from the group of six candidates. Trustees will then visit the finalists' school district before making a final choice.
Green's retirement is effective Tuesday. She served two years in the position.
Candidates to be interviewed Tuesday include Henry Hastings, instructor at Eastern Michigan University College of Business; Sandra Harris, retired superintendent of Oak Park School District in Oak Park; and Benjamin Edmondson, principal of Roberto Clemente High School in Ann Arbor.
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
teacherleader
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 1:53 p.m.
Thank you Kellie for blogging these interviews. I appreciate the BOEs transparency in allowing these interviews to be open to the public. In reading these, and as a community member, I was interested to see Edmondson's responses, and am discouraged by the BOEs decision to not bring him through the next round. He is a straight shooter, a man of action, knows the community for better and for worse, and the people like him. In looking at how the vote was divided, it seems blaringly obvious that nothing will change in terms of the district's achievement gap, when there is such a huge gap on our own BOE. I hope that the BOE will reflect on their comments and decisions today with their racial lenses on. What happened today, is what happens everyday in our community's schools - qualified and intelligent candidates and students are "left behind." Just because Edmondson's style is more direct, less "concise", does not mean that he is less qualified. He has the skill set, the knowledge, and the community backing to do the job. Sometimes, leaders' job is to get out of the way so others can lead.
DonBee
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 3:02 p.m.
teacherleader - As I read through the answers, the comments, and watch the video, on Dr. Edmondson, I see division rather than unity. The district needs unity right now. He clearly, based on the comments the board members made after the interviews divided the board. I believe if he really wants the job that over the next two years, he can get himself in a position where he is a unifying figure in the district and be ready to take over after the re-districting and other measures make whoever takes this job too unpopular to continue. If he provides great support to the new superintendent, he can help accelerate the needed changes, so he walks into a district that is on sound footing. It is his choice.
Kellie Woodhouse
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 2:55 p.m.
As an FYI, the BOE is required by law to keep the interview public.
TryingToBeObjective
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 2:22 a.m.
I think it's interesting that Lightfoot and Baskett are so concerned Blu the community being disappointed, and email inboxes being "flooded." What, exactly, is "flooded?" Ten emails? Twenty? How many parents are in this district? I would be shocked if there is more than a small, vocal percentage who favored Edmonson. There are some on these forums who have noted that they know him and do NOT like him or his ego. It's great he could start tomorrow. But this district needs the RIGHT person, even if it takes a while. I ranked Osborne and Swift as top two from early on, out of those they had to choose from. I wonder who they missed out on?
kuriooo
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 3:49 a.m.
I like the fact that they acknowledged that they have received community input and are taking that into account, even if they don't think that person is the right match. They also chose to interview several local candidates - again, I see that as a reflection that many of us have asked for someone local to be considered. I suspect the BOE wants to pick someone who the community will support, in addition to other important factors.
DonBee
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 3:33 a.m.
The prior high on the budget was 400, according to comments made by the board members. We will see what happens.
TryingToBeObjective
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 2:10 a.m.
Edmonson: have a shop local day with 10% going back to AAPS. This, to him, is "thinking outside the box." Sorry Ben, but PTOs have been doing the shop local gig for YEARS. Are you out of touch with the district that you have two kids in?
TryingToBeObjective
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 2:05 a.m.
Baskett said the "community wants to see Edmonson as a finalist." No, a very vocal small percentage of the community like Edmonson and know him personally, and for those reasons alone want to see him as SI. The rest of us would like to have the BEST candidate in the position, and that definitely is NOT Edmonson. This is an SI position, not a beauty pageant or popularity contest for student body president.
DonBee
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 11:33 p.m.
I find the selection of Dr. Swift and Dr. Osborne interesting, they are very different people with very different styles and personalities. They had very different answers to the stock questions, and were almost at the polar opposite ends on some questions in the way I read Ms. Woodhouse's blog. I am relieved that several of the people did not make the finalist list, simply because I do not think they would have lasted. If the board wanted a 2 year superintendent to clean up the budget, do redistricting and deal with the work rules in the labor contracts, then skip town ahead of the lynch mob, there was a candidate today that would have done a wonderful job at it. Someone has to do the dirty work, and there will be a lot of pain over the next two years, the idea that there will be a magic pot of money that will give the board another $750 per student in 2014-15 and again in 2015-16 and every year after is fantasy. The structural issues with the budget need to be addressed, and they will be painful. An enhancement millage will be spoken for the day it passes, and the school will be in an even deeper hole if it is not renewed. No matter who is chosen, no matter how good they are, people, lots of people, are going to be unhappy by the time the 2016 election comes around. Regardless of who wins as governor in 2014 and who gets elected to the board of education in 2014. This will NOT be a fun ride for anyone. The next two years of budgeting are going to be bloody. -continued below-
kuriooo
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 12:28 a.m.
This is pretty right on, in my limited experience. Great analysis on a number of fronts, including the clarification of the building reputation vs. the district reputation.
DonBee
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 11:43 p.m.
There are ways to fix it, some of them are painful because it means tackling personnel issues head on, and this board has never been willing to do it. The candidates were right attracting students is about reputation, but not the DISTRICT reputation, it is the BUILDING reputation that matters. Right now we have several buildings that parents who do any research avoid. Changing those buildings and their reputations means changing the people in the buildings. That is the fastest way to bring back students in the district and increase revenue. It will not happen, rather the BOE will go to Lansing and the voters in the county for more money. Neither is likely to fix either 2014-15 or 2015-16 budget issues. Redistricting will not really kick in until the 2015-16 school year if it done correctly with time for people to think and react. With the AAEA contract set for the next 3 years, the idea that it can be reopened and any real changes made is slim. Since neither the AAEA or the AAAA contracts were posted when I checked on Friday, I cannot comment on when anything can be done about the AAAA contract. I truly feel for anyone taking this job right now. I really doubt the BOE has the ability to stand against some of the lobby groups in the school system and make the hard choices, in fact some of the members are members of some of the lobby groups - making it that much harder. I wish the board the best of luck picking between these two candidates, and I wish the candidates well if they are selected. I would not be surprised if one or the other withdrew.
Chester Drawers
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 10:30 p.m.
So Edmondson told Kellie that the community would be upset if he is not chosen as a finalist? Really??? What kind of a childish, immature passive threat is this? Reason enough not to choose him.
J. A. Pieper
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 12:15 a.m.
Hence, we now know why he should not be hired. I teach in AAPS, many of us know his history, and if the public knew, they would realize he never should have made the final list. His EGO is not what we need in AAPS!
LXIX
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 11:25 p.m.
Now I am bummed. Thanks Basic Bob. I think Edmondson could now get an intermediate position in the SI wings if he wanted. He still seems mercurial to me which if is incorrect then a more visible #2 position will allow him to generate greater public support as the next SI sputters out. My holdout with a swift Swift selection was that she might really be just a yes-woman ladder-climber. Reading your comment indicates she will be just that for Mexicotte. If true, that will come out in the press pretty quickly as the BOE has some obvious issues undermining their effective oversight of AAPS. I suspect Swift is not a genius but will do the dirty if she has to. If she can't then the popular guy waiting in the wings will get the job.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 11:01 p.m.
I'm happy he was considered, and somewhat disappointed he was not chosen. I wouldn't go so far as to say "upset", but I believe he is correct in stating that some will be. False modesty is just plain dishonest. In any case, this board would be intimidated by him, just as they would with anyone with New Jersey roots. The job goes to Mexicotte's new 'gal' - Dr. Swift.
Goober
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 10:35 p.m.
I also understand from others that have worked with Ben previously that he should not have been considered at all. Due to certain personality issues, working relationships were stretched or non-existent.
Chester Drawers
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 10:32 p.m.
Sorry, 'passive-aggressive.'
local
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 10:13 p.m.
Ok Kellie and DonBee what are your thoughts on finalist? Kellie, you have been there for 2 days now, did the scoring come down in the order you thought they would? DonBee, we know you have been following, what are your thoughts on the order of finalist and only picking 2.
Kellie Woodhouse
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 2:34 a.m.
Both finalists seem to bring a wealth of experience to the table. It will be interesting to see them during public questioning, which will occur when they come to Ann Arbor for a site visit sometime next week.
local
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 9:47 p.m.
There should be two finalist according to the scoring. The difference between #2 and #3 is rather large. And Lightfoot insisting that Edmonson (who was #4) should be a finalist just because he is local doesn't seem to work. I can't believe Hasting was number 3 on the list, wow!!
LXIX
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 9:47 p.m.
Will the BOE stoop down to pick a teacher ? Sounds good to me. How long will she stay though? Swift has 25 years as teacher, teacher mgr, principal and administrator. She is sub superintendent for instruction, curriculum and student services in Colorado Springs School District 11 Colorado Springs has over 400k residents. Declining school district issues. One of the higher ranked charter schools in the nation Economy is Primarily DoD and Military Industrial Complex centered
LXIX
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 1:15 a.m.
Thanks for the correction. Until I read Osborne's "download" resume (above) he was all admin. While he seems to be an innovative go-getter and tough problem solver, I don't think that Ann Arbor is more Bronx and Jersey than Colorado in temperment. Much as I would love to see many exciting new ideas flourish here, I think A2 et al is rapidly losing its leadership ethic and needs to concentrate on the core math/science/logic basics. Kinda like the infrastructure versus mega-dreams around town.
DonBee
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 11:19 p.m.
LXIX - All of these candidates have time in the classroom. Hastings mostly at the college level, but they all have an education background to some extent. So, yes they will have to stoop to picking a teacher, if they stick to this set of candidates.
Willie Reid
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 8:39 p.m.
I'm just curious if any other readers following over the last two days felt Swift should be #2 or in the top 3 for that matter. That's the biggest surprise from the rankings to me. The frustrating is for the most part, the locals have once again been shut out. I don't think being local is a requirement, but I do feel it should carry some weight.
kuriooo
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 10:51 p.m.
The locals weren't shut out without deliberation, however...who did you think did a great job and why?
Goober
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 9:42 p.m.
Swift did not impress, she repeated standard buzz words and did not come across as a strong leader and communicator. I would have ranked her near the bottom.
nekm1
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 8:28 p.m.
OAK PARK, Mich. – The Oak Park Public Schools chief of staff has been asked to resign after having a private shower facility and luxury gym built at the Oak Park Preparatory Academy, according to The Detroit News. Gregory Dill was placed on paid administrative leave and is under investigation by police. Dill said that he received permission from the superintendent for the room, which included showers, tile floors, cherry cabinets, a luxury gym and a big screen television. Dill said he paid for the renovations with his own money and that some of the items were added by the contractors without his knowledge, The News reported. But three school board members contacted the police about possible misuse of public funds. Superintendent Sandra Harris did approve the project, but failed to inquire how much it would cost. "She never asked for the scope of the project, and our bylaws are clear," Trustee Alicia Jones told The News. "The checks and balances flow from her to her administration and down to the staff. She didn't know if it would cost the district $19,000 or $9."
TryingToBeObjective
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 1:12 a.m.
Look up David Schied vs. Sandra Harris and Lincoln School District. Also interesting to note that she was interim super, then given the full superintendent at Lincoln, then split right after to take job at Oak Park, where she was supposedly "encouraged" to resign, so she applied at Ypsi for SI, and was a finalist. Perhaps she is able to fool her interviewers who dont do their homework. She's also a job- jumper like Faidley. She seems to stir the pot or cause controversy in a district, then jump ship. We don't need another liability in the district. I think she is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Big time. The BOE needs to get on the Internet and take a look around. Now. Before they hire someone and regret it. I bet she took time off to let things settle down before she looked for another target.
Goober
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 9:40 p.m.
What depth of due diligence did the search firm do before they presented candidate profiles and resumes? It appears they also missed a mistake on her resume for her current position.
Willie Reid
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 8:46 p.m.
It would be interesting for AA.com to follow up on this story. If true, I take back most of the nice things that I said earlier about Dr. Harris. It would have been nice if the search firm had uncovered this prior to her being named a finalist or maybe they did which would be even more concerning. I would definitely like to hear more about this.
a2xarob
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 7:54 p.m.
Zero-based budgeting is one of the most important measures to be implemented. I hope whoever is hired has the knowledge and the strength to push this through. I believe Dr. Green tried to do this, but was not successful. I would love to hear what entities blocked her doing it, and why, if that is what happened. I would have liked to see her take the fight for zero-based budgeting to the media, writing columns for a2.com and The Observer, for instance. She may have thought that she would work on gaining more consensus first, not realizing that there are entities within the system who would hang onto their little fiefdoms by any means necessary. Was she driven out by constituencies who didn't want the transparency that zero-based would have brought? Or by the often naive and uneducated remarks made on this board? I have to laugh when commenters today do not understand Nelson's question about how each candidate would deal with negative comments on this board, made by persons who did not seem to have any idea what they were talking about. The constant criticism of Dr. Green because she was offered the salary that the BOARD had decided on before even interviewing candidates is an example of how idiotic some of the criticism of her was. I do not work in the system or know Dr. Green, but as a retired school top administrator I believe she was given an unbelievably and unjustifiably hard time by our town, and that we have lost a person who could have done a great deal for this district. Whoever is hired, I hope we give that person a better chance at success than we did her. And that the new super has a very, very thick skin.
Christine Stead
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 11:48 a.m.
ZBB is not on hold for a year; that's not what I have communicated at least. It will not be ready at the start of the year for implementation due to training requirements and implementation of the new county-wide finance software. It will be ready for use this academic year. That's my understanding. That's what I've been sharing with others, including Mr. Ranzini.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 11:25 a.m.
@a2xarob: I was told by an AAPS Trustee that the zero based budgeting transition was put on hold for a year until a new system for accounting and other administrative functions is installed. This same software system is being installed or has already been installed at WISD and other school districts in the county. The board saw this as a priority since they believe it is a precondition for gaining revenue from providing services to other school districts in the county. They believed that both could not be done at the same time. Whether or not this decision was wise will be borne out in the future based on whether or not AAPS is given any material contracts by other county school districts.
Willie Reid
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 8:34 p.m.
Working in Finance, I'm not sure zero-based budgeting is the way to go. I'm not sure if anyone clamoring for zero-based budgeting understands how time consuming it would be. Consultants would need to bring in at a cost to get it going. History is an effective tool to use for future budgets. Do we really want school principals spending their time justifying how much they are going to spend on pencils in the upcoming year when we have history to support this spending? I understand structural changes need to be made to the budgeting process, but I firmly believe that each principal should be given some autonomy in running their school. Obviously they need to meet certain objectives, but give them the budget to meet these objectives and let them do it. Don't get into this micromanaging. Nobody has time for this and if they do, then I can think of a position to be cut. If zero-based budgeting is a one-time event to basically start from scratch then I can somewhat get on board. If this is something people want to do yearly though, I don't feel that it's an efficient use of resources.
AAPSelementparent
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 7:34 p.m.
Great job, both days, Kellie! You really gave us a sense of all that was going on without our having to be there. The format was compelling, effective and incredibly informative. It provided us with enough information to formulate our own opinions on each of the candidates and this will allow us to hold the BOE's feet to the fire. It's very empowering to to have all of the information as it comes in, without it being overly edited and filtered. Thanks for all of your hard work!
Kellie Woodhouse
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 2:33 a.m.
Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate the positive feedback.
Kyle Mattson
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 1:17 a.m.
Thanks for the compliments AAPS. Kellie did do a great job keeping up with the interviews yesterday and today. We're glad to hear that you found it of value, obviously it isn't exactly live-video but hopefully it gave you a good enough glimpse into the process.
LXIX
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 10:33 p.m.
Ditto 3. What whisper-to-text app was she using?
Skyline booster
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 8:15 p.m.
I echo these comments. Thank you for your great coverage. Hope you get some rest and food soon.
maizemama
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 7:20 p.m.
Kellie, do you have a sense from the interactions of the candidates and the BOE who the favorites are now?
Kellie Woodhouse
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 2:32 a.m.
I actually didn't have a sense of who was favored. I thought the board was extremely fair and even in their questioning.
Kyle Mattson
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 1:16 a.m.
Sorry Kellie was unable to get to your comment Maizemama, she was doing her best to keep things updates as fast as possible in the live blog. Any thoughts on the board's selection?
LXIX
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 7:20 p.m.
Edmondson sounds like a contender to me. 1. He is local and says he is ready to go today. AAPS needs that after the big vacuum that was suddenly left. 2. He retains the required independence from BOE. Key trait for what is to come. 3. His kids go to AAPS. Problems 3. Why do his kids go to a school district not in their own yard? Would he move to A2 to correct that? 2. He seems defensive and combative. Either that will work well to marshal respect and clean house or fail miserably if the entire AAPS unifies and revolts. I would give him a "trial" contract. Solid but short at first. 1. Local is good but carries in-house relationships which can lead to big problems.
TryingToBeObjective
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 1 a.m.
Edmonson is local because he has to be due to custody arrangements. He has been job shopping outside the district for a while. One only has to read his resume' to see what his priority is: himself. Principals don't make peanuts. He makes more than a lot of people in AA. Does he want privacy in Canton, or to hide out there and not deal with the AA community? And he has no spine, as well as being defensive. No thanks. We don't need another liability.
kuriooo
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 10:25 p.m.
I'm not impressed. I don't know him personally and am relying on the transcript of the conversations (as opposed to an interpersonal interaction with non-verbal communication) , but a few of his comments struck me as arrogant. I'd prefer someone more aligned with the "servant leadership" style that Harris mentioned.
skigrl50
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 10:07 p.m.
Why was he at King for only 1 year, why did numerous staff request leave of personal leave of absences and in district transfers while he was at Scarlett, and why is enrollment 1/2 of capacity at Roberto?
maizemama
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 8:14 p.m.
I didn't say he doesn't deserve privacy, I just think the two statements are contradictory.
Skyline booster
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 8:10 p.m.
Maizemama- I think everyone deserves SOME privacy. If he is willing to give some kind of almost 24 hour access by giving out his(district provided) phone number, then I don't mind if he lives somewhere more private. Sounds like he will be spending most of his time in A2 anyway with children and work in the district. I can't fault someone for living somewhere cheaper. A2 is expensive! As long as he listens and responds to calls.
A2workinmom
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 7:28 p.m.
I agree that he seems defensive and combative. In my experience, this does not work well in the schools - it alienates people instead of building community. I know we will all have disagreements and not everyone will get their way, but I question whether or not he has the ability to gather support so that the hard decisions can be made.
maizemama
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 7:24 p.m.
Perhaps the mom lives in A2 and that is why the kids are at Thurston. Also I thought it was funny that he would give his phone # to parents but lives in Canton for privacy. Seems contradictory.
DonBee
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 7:04 p.m.
Ms. Woodhouse - Thank you again for a wonderful day of blogging, I miss your asides from yesterday, but you did a great job both days I see 2 really good two year candidates here for Superintendent, but I doubt any of them would make year 3. For one reason or another they would both be gone in 24 months or less from hire. I wish the board well in their selection. I don't think they have what they want in any of the candidates they have selected as semi-finalists. If it were up to me, I would keep a couple of these and ask Ray&Assoc. for another look through the pile. I suspect that if you were to poll the board members on certain statements made by the candidates you would get wildly different means to the statements, since many comments by the candidates can be interpreted differently without putting words in the candidate's mouths. The lack of follow up on a number of over board responses by the board is disappointing. Sincerely "The Cowardly One"
Goober
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 7:16 p.m.
Excellent feedback DonBee. I see only one candidate from yesterday that might present some opportunity for us. Sadly, the BOE will seek a candidate that is a clone of themselves - their beliefs, their feelings, their way of talking and their ability to work with others. On this basis, they will seek a new slate of candidates to interview. This is what I think. We shall soon find out.
DonBee
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 6:54 p.m.
Mission statement of AAPS The mission of the Ann Arbor Public Schools is to ensure each student realizes his or her aspirations while advancing the common good, by creating a world-class system of innovative teaching and learning. on the Strategic Plan page of the website, 3rd reference in google.
AMOC
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 6:53 p.m.
Apparently Ben Edmondson is not aware that AAPS came up with a Mission Statement as part of the Strategic Plan and updated it in 2011. From the AAPS Web Site: "Mission of the Ann Arbor Public Schools The mission of the Ann Arbor Public Schools is to ensure each student realizes his or her aspirations while advancing the common good, by creating a world-class system of innovative teaching and learning. " Dr. Green required everyone to tie their individual professional goals/objectives to the Strategic Plan, in an effort to focus people on getting more of the strategies it listed implemented. And by the way, I found a new-to-me change to the "parameters" that I am almost sure has been added much more recently than the update in 2011 (which I participated in). One of them now says " We will practice fiscal responsibility by balancing educational aspirations of our students by the district's ability to pay." instead of the older version which said something like "We will seek adequate resources to provide a world-class education." Very interesting change in emphasis. I will have to check the Way Back Machine to see when the change happened. I'm betting it will be days or weeks before the proposal to start charging for 7th hour at some high schools.
AMOC
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 7:48 p.m.
Well, I must have missed it when it happens, because it was a significant change in philosophy, though I have only recently seen a change in behavior among AAPS staff in their consideration of costs vs. benefits. The parameter in the AAPS Strategic Plan that claims "We will practice fiscal responsibility by balancing educational aspirations of our students by the district's ability to pay." was indeed posted on the districts' web site sometime between the March/April 2011 update and June of 2011 according to the Internet Archives.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 6:01 p.m.
i disagree with those who suggested that they scheduled all the good candidates on monday. the last two have given strong interviews.
Willie Reid
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 4:51 p.m.
I have to say of the 5, I've been most impressed with Dr. Harris. I had negative thoughts about her going in because of the "retired" issue. If it's true, that she can't collect a pension and be superintendent at the same time, I may be on board. I definitely think she should be a finalist along with Dr. Osborne. The thing I liked the most is she left her 90-day plan with the board. Obviously, if the plan doesn't have any substance then it's meaningless, but it shows some initiative. She's the only only one to do something like that. I'm still a little concerned about the retired situation in that how long will she want to do this, but I'm trying to keep an open mind. She definitely has increased her standing in my eyes more than any other candidate.
A2momma1
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 6:08 p.m.
Wonder what's in Harris' plan, and what she plans to do on days 91-XXX?
Kellie Woodhouse
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 6:06 p.m.
She did refer to it in her interview. Sorry, I thought I got some of that in the blog. I don't know if I referred to it specifically, but I think I said "within 90 days she would."
A2momma1
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 5:45 p.m.
Wonder what's in her 90-day plan. Also, Kellie: did she ever refer to her 90-day plan during the interview? Why didn't she "sell it" during the interview.
Willie Reid
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 5:42 p.m.
Like I said, I would love to actually see her 90-day plan. It may not be worth the paper it's written on, but at least she has one. At this point, I'm trying to pick 2-3 finalists and I would say she has to be one along with Dr. Osbourne and from what I see so far, Dr. Edmondson. I personally wasn't impressed with the other 3. Actually, I liked Dr. Hastings personality a lot. I'm just not sure if this is the best position for him.
West Side Mom
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 5:20 p.m.
I would hope that her 90 day plan includes finalizing the district's transition to zero-based budgeting. Even if that time frame is not realistic, we need to see that commitment. Harris' comment about giving schools and departments "allocations" didn't sound like zero-based budgeting to me.
A2momma1
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 4:13 p.m.
These are some of the lamest questions I could imagine. We face BIG problems in AAPS, and we're worried about how people might deal with anonymous comments on the local news site? We're letting answers like "I'll be transparent," or "I'll work with my team" suffice? How will these people improve education in our district? How will they solve the long-term budget problems? How do they plan to use testing (or what are their views on testing)? The questions suck, and the answers are pablum. I can't believe these are the best candidates for this job.
West Side Mom
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 1:17 a.m.
Thanks Kellie. You did a great job reporting this event.
Kellie Woodhouse
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 5:27 p.m.
The board uses a uniform 20 questions each interview and then has the opportunity at the end to ask personalized questions for each candidate. I'll try to get a copy of the questions for you.
West Side Mom
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 5:15 p.m.
Agreed. Though the questions have gotten better with Harris. Why didn't the board ask district-specific questions of the non-local candidates so they could measure how much thought they have put into this job, and at the same time reveal how they were likely to lead in key issues?
Goober
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 3:49 p.m.
How come the AA BOE's selected search firm did not catch the obvious mistake on the resume of Harris?
Kellie Woodhouse
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 3:57 p.m.
I don't know if they didn't notice or they just let it pass because they wanted to interview her anyway.
bulldog
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 3:32 p.m.
I would like clarification regarding her "retired" status. You indicated, " she says someone speculated that because she is a state retiree she wanted to double dip (as far as get pension and a salary) but that is actually impossible with recent statute changes." More explanation is needed. Is she collecting a pension currently or has she deferred collecting a pension? If she is retired and collecting a pension, how can she take this job (if offered) and collect a salary AND a pension?
J. A. Pieper
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : 12:03 a.m.
There is some part of the law that indicates "critically needed employees" can return to work after they retire. Teachers are not considered critical employees under this new law, maybe superintendents are considered "critical" - kind of a joke in AAPS!
Kellie Woodhouse
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 3:54 p.m.
All I know is what she said. I think she was saying she can't do both, but I'll catch her afterward and ask for some clarification.
Maria Huffman
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 3:13 p.m.
The thing about working in AAPS, is that there are all kinds of kids that go there. It's an amazing, magical, trying, fun, frustrating and challenging set of schools.
Maria Huffman
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 3:02 p.m.
Does this gentleman work with a guy called Don Duquette at Michigan also?
MMM
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 2:51 p.m.
I have been on many hiring panels in the Ann Arbor public schools and a great deal of thought goes into choosing the questions. How did they decide that a question about commenters on annarbor.com would be one of the best questions to get a feel for the candidates? I can't really believe that this is the best question they could come up with. If it is, then we definitely need to look at the priorities of the BOE. As a parent and educator in the district, I could care less about the candidates feelings towards anonymous comments in the local community.
aaparent
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 5:40 p.m.
The BOE should be grateful for A2.com providing them with live and vivid comments from tax payers. If they don't want to be commented upon as public officials, they should not be on the board. If they were more confident about the job they are doing, they would be less preoccupied with commenters. They are quick to blame A2.com and have yet to answer directly many of the important points and facts commenters raise. If the BOE would click on Donbee's user name and read his history of comments and answer each and every one of them, it would be a great start.
Goober
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 3:50 p.m.
If they were all doing a good job, even during tough times, they would have nothing to worry about.
kuriooo
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 3:39 p.m.
I took it as a sign that various BOE members and school officials actually read the comments.
Kellie Woodhouse
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 3:31 p.m.
Andy Thomas has been on-the-record about his low opinion of our anonymous commenting system.
Paula Gardner
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 3:29 p.m.
We've wondered that, too.
Jim Osborn
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 2:30 p.m.
"Hastings says the idea that "we have to have so many whites disciplined with so many whites" loses the nuance of education" What is this all about? The achievement gap? Kids should be punished based upon what they did, period. Stats based on race should not be a factor.
J. A. Pieper
Wed, Jul 10, 2013 : midnight
Jim, if you are involved with AAPS at all, or follow all the items on AA.com, you should be aware that a certain part of our school population is not disciplined any more because of the Discipline Gap initiatives of Dr. Green. So, I am not sure what the comment is about, but since three cultures are part of the group not allowed to be disciplined, it leaves whites and Asians. Race is a big factor in discipline because we are told that our "white privileged" backgrounds make us racist if we discipline some students. Hence, there is no disciplining of some students, and your kids will just have to live with what goes on in the classroom!
mgoscottie
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 6:51 p.m.
Why do you think black kids are in trouble more than white kids?
Jim Osborn
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 2:34 p.m.
this blog by Kellie is wonderful!
Goober
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 2:05 p.m.
Hastings is exhausted!!! This is an opportunity to blow our socks off why he is the best candidate for the job and this short interview has him exhausted? Go figure!
aaparent
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 5:37 p.m.
completely agree that Kellie is doing an amazing job here. Her line by line coverage is better than what I have seen in national news court coverage on trials. This is a valuable community service. Hastings seems very theoretical and philosophical in his answers and while trying to be honest about that, seems to fall short of saying that his obvious weakness is the ability to execute consistently on ideas that are deeply connected to his values. Hastings might make a good ombudsman for the district and be able to replace some of the executives in the Balas building now who don't have the courage to tell the emperor about the clothing shortage. He has some strengths that are unique and the district needs but I don't see how he could shift into a solo job as superintendent of a district like AAPS. I still have little confidence in the BOE to handle this job selection with any clarity in communication. The BOE seems really concerned about the A2.com commenters and a superintendent's ability to either handle or ignore them without feeling upset or crushed.
Chester Drawers
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 2:54 p.m.
Kellie is the person who should be exhausted! She's doing a terrific job. The real time accounting coupled with her personal comments give readers a real feel for what is going on. Give her a raise!!!
Maria Huffman
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 2:04 p.m.
Is this candidate familiar with the pipeline to prison problem and the autism tsunami, I wonder ? He is an attorney as well, is he a special ed attorney? Does he understand federal law in regards to IDEA, or does he not believe in IDEA principals? One way to close the gap is to not service problem children and let them be expelled. It'll then look like he closed the achievement gap, on paper, anyway.
Jim Osborn
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 1:03 p.m.
"held at the Courtyard Marriott" I'm not surprised, but disappointed. The board apparently needs to find some way to spend, spend, spend. Are there not plenty of empty classrooms during the summer that could be used, at an actual school, instead of at an expensive hotel? Why waste even more money when teachers or bus drivers are being fired for a lack of funding?
aaparent
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 5:32 p.m.
@Kellie- thank you for asking Mexicotte this. Could you ask Mexicotte what the cost is of paying for the candidates hotel rooms at the Marriott to better understand the hotel's generous offer? I am also wondering if you could you ask if the district uses a Marriott visa card so that it is getting some bonus points on paying for the hotel rooms of the candidates and when she says getting the room for free what exactly that means. Since the issue of the district having credit card statements for different events and expenses has been called out in the media and A2politico FOIA'd some months of credit card statements, I am curious about Mexicotte's answer. Donbee's points about costs of a custodian are good ones. I would like to see the facts to compare costs, though I understand from Mexicotte's past quotes, it's all just pennies when it's under a certain dollar amount that taxpayers' cover.
Jim Osborn
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 3:47 p.m.
Sounds like a deal - I'd expect some food and drinks - less money than a restaurant bill or bar tab. Good for them and thanks to Marriott.
Kellie Woodhouse
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 2:26 p.m.
Hi, so I just spoke with Deb Mexicotte and another school official and they said that AAPS is getting the interview room for free. The costs associated with holding interviews at the hotel are the food (cost yet unknown) and the expense of making paper copies. AAPS is having traveling candidates stay at the hotel.
DonBee
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 2:04 p.m.
Mr Osborn - If you have a building that is staffed, and open - it may be cheaper, if you have to bring in a custodian to open the building, turn on the air handling system, and all the other things that have to be done, then it may be that it is cheaper to use the hotel. If they booked all of their interview candidates from out of town in the hotel, then this may be a very cheap alternative. But we may never know, because the board does not make the kind of information public. So, you may be completely right.
grye
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 12:58 p.m.
Compensation for teachers is generous? Sounds like he would like to cut their pay. How about he takes he job at the same salary schedule as the teachers. The position couldn't be any harder than trying to teach upward of 150 kids every day.
local
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 12:52 p.m.
Does Hasting give any "specifics" in dealing with things? I understand the need for communicating and being open, but still need to hear specifics about what he can bring to AAPS.
Maria Huffman
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 12:29 p.m.
To Kellie Woodhouse, Can you please find out what the full name of the entity was that Professor Hastings founded and post it please? Thanks, Maria Huffman
Maria Huffman
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 2:59 p.m.
There was a couple of typos in my previous post, so here's a revised post to clarify what I wonder about. ..... Was that what he founded? Is he a special ed lawyer or a prosecuting lawyer? This sentence caught my eye. ""The Institute, once fully established, will coordinate public and private efforts to create and maintain safe and drug-free learning environments that foster academic achievement, pursuant to the demands of the recently enacted No Child Left Behind Act." Why is the qualifier, "pursuant to the demands of the recently enacted No Child Left Behind Act" in there, I wonder?
Maria Huffman
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 2:55 p.m.
Was that what he founded? Is he a special ed lawyer or a prosecuting lawyer? This sentence caught my eye. ""The Institute, once fully established, will coordinate public and private efforts to create and maintain safe and drug-free learning environments that foster academic achievement, pursuant to the demands of the recently enacted No Child Left Behind Act." Why is the qualifier, pursuant to the demands of the recently enacted No Child Left Behind Act" in there, I wonder?
Paula Gardner
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 2:04 p.m.
He's acting director of Michigan Institute for Safe Schools and Communities. Here's a link: http://www.missc.msu.edu/about.asp
TryingToBeObjective
Tue, Jul 9, 2013 : 12:25 p.m.
Does Hastings reflect differently in his interview than in his photo here?